Surabaya Immigration Detains 15 Foreign Nationals Over Suspected Permit Violations
Surabaya, East Java - The Surabaya Class I Special Immigration Office (TPI), together with the Sidoarjo Resort Police, have detained 15 foreign nationals suspected of immigration violations and other criminal offences in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java.
Agus Winarto, Head of the Surabaya Class I Special TPI Immigration Office, stated in Sidoarjo on Monday that the case came to light following a public report on 30 June 2026 about suspicious activities by foreign nationals at a house in Sidoarjo Regency.
“Officers then conducted surveillance and detained three nationals of the People’s Republic of China, including one with the initials LGC, who were unable to present travel documents during an inspection on 2-3 July 2026,” he said.
Agus explained that while searching LGC’s residence in Batu City, East Java, officers found nine passports belonging to Vietnamese nationals stored in a bag together with LGC’s own passport.
Based on information from LGC, officers extended the investigation to a villa in Batu City and discovered nine Vietnamese nationals who did not possess their travel documents because all their passports were under LGC’s control.
In total, the joint forces detained 15 foreign nationals comprising five Chinese nationals and ten Vietnamese nationals. Additionally, five Indonesian citizens were also detained for investigative purposes.
Beyond the suspected immigration violations, the joint team is also investigating the alleged misuse of personal data to open and control bank accounts without the owners’ knowledge.
During the investigation, officers seized evidence including passports, mobile phones, laptops, computers, and other electronic devices.
Agus stressed that Surabaya Immigration will continue to strengthen synergy with law enforcement agencies and related institutions to ensure that any suspected immigration violations or other criminal acts are handled professionally in accordance with statutory regulations.